Chapter 22
What a temper Josiah fell silent, his expression clouding over. He wasn’t usually one for away. But looking at the medicine in his hand, he gave in–part of this was on him.
he wanted to just walk
He took a few steps forward, bent down, and set the medicine on the coffee table. Watching her back, he said, “The meds are here, and the directions are on the box. Make sure you take them
Sienna didn’t budge or respond. In the soft light, she appeared delicate..
Has she been this thin? Josiah frowned. When he held her earlier, she felt light as a feather.
Suddenly, guilt washed over him. Awkwardly, he spoke up, I misunderstood about today. I forgot it was Fiona’s memorial. day, and I just heard about the bridge accident. I’m sorry.”
That felt like a long speech for him. In the past, he would have lost his patience and gotten annoyed. Speaking this calmly. even humbly, was new territory.
Still, Sienna remained silent. Josiah found himself guessing. “Are you asleep? No, you can’t sleep yet. You have to take your
medicine.”
He looked around the coffee table and noticed there were no cups, which meant no water either. Feeling responsible, he said, “Hold on, I’ll get you some water.”
Josiah went into the kitchen and came back shortly after with a glass of water. He placed it on the coffee table.
With a soft voice, he began, “Sienna, I know you’re not asleep. Quit sulking. Get up and take your medicine. You fainted from that stomachache; you can’t skip your meds.”
As he placed the glass down, his hand accidentally nudged something off the table.
“What’s this?” Josiah bent down to pick it up. It was a woman’s wallet–definitely Sienna’s.
The wallet was open, and he caught sight of a photo tucked inside. Curious, he leaned in for a better look.
“Give it back! Sienna shot up, snatched the wallet from him, and quickly closed it. Her charming eyes shot him a wary glare “Don’t touch my stuff”
I
Josiah finally snapped. “Sienna, do you have any gratitude at all was just getting you water so you could take your medicine.
“Save your kindness.” Sienna clenched the wallet, her expression icy. “I don’t need you fetching me water or buying medicine. I won’t take it.”
“You!” Josiah felt anger mounting, and his handsome face hardened. “Don’t need my kindness? Fine, like I wanted to help anyway. If I keep getting involved, I’ll just…”
‘Look like an idiot! He couldn’t voice that thought to her, so he turned on his heel and stormed upstairs, irritation seeping from every step.
Sienna kept her eyes shut, enduring the tension from their argument. Gradually, she opened her eyes and gazed at the wallet, gently tracing her fingers over the photo.
Joyce, that was too close. Given how much he hates me, he wouldn’t recognize Joyce. But I just can’t let him find out about her. She’s my child, mine and mine alone. she murmured to herself.
22:22 Sat, Jan
Chapter 22
The next day, Sienna stayed home and felt much better. By evening, she got a message from the real estate agent–the contract was finalized.
After a quick shower, she headed to the agency. There, she met he landlord, paid the deposit and rent, and received the keys to her new apartment.
Sienna then took a cab back to Silver Beach to collect her luggage. Just thinking about not having to see Josiah today put her
at ease.
She took the subway downtown, switched to a bus, and made a quick stop at an ATM to withdraw some cash.
It was rush hour, and the streets were packed. That evening, Josiah was headed to Yosef’s house for dinner, but their car was stuck in traffic at a red light.
Suddenly, Zaid paused and pointed outside at the sidewalk. That looks like Ms. Shaw.”
Josiah, who had been looking at documents on his phone, glanced up–sure enough, it was Sienna
She was lost in the crowd, wearing a white T–shirt and light blue jeans, her long hair flowing behind her. She had an air of innocence mixed with a hint of allure–definitely someone who caught attention
Josiah frowned. ‘What’s she doing out here? After struggling so much yesterday and refusing her medication, she is back on the street? She doesn’t have a job and just seems to wander around all day!
Before Josiah could say anything, Zaid had already rolled down the window and waved enthusiastically. “Hey. Ms. Shaw. Over here.”
Upon hearing the voice, Sienna turned and paused for a moment when she saw them. After a brief hesitation, she walked over and smiled at Zaid, “Hello, Zaid.”
Only then did she glance at the back seat. She caught a glimpse of Josiah’s profile but couldn’t see his expression.
As Josiah remained silent, Zaid let out an awkward chuckle. “Ms. Shaw, where are you headed?”
“I’m going back to Silver Beach,” Sienna smiled.
Zaid turned to Josiah, looking for a nod of approval. “Mr. Flynn, Ms. Shaw is going back to Silver Beach. Should we give her ander
But Josiah kept his eyes on his phone, completely unresponsive
Zaid let out an even more uncomfortable laugh.
Sienna smiled, easing the tension. “It’s okay, Zaid. I’ll just head out now. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye then,” Zaid replied, giving a wave.
Sienna turned and quickly blended back into the crowd.
Zaid couldn’t help but sigh. He had been with the Flynn family for a long time and sometimes managed to chat with Josiah. “Mr. Flynn, finding a ride at this hour is tough. Why not help Sienna out?”
“Tough to find a ride?” Josiah looked up and raised an eyebrow. No need. She has nothing else to do and isn’t in a rush.”
Zaid was at a loss for words, clearly exasperated. After working for Josiah for years, he knew deep down that Josiah didn’t really give a damn about Sienna.
Sal, Jan
Chapter 22
“Enough.” Josiah waved him off, narrowing his eyes. “You know how she is. If I called her over, with her pushy nature, she’d just cling to me non–stop. I don’t need that kind of hassle
Wasn’t she the one who pushed me away? Why should I help he now? Better to just leave her be,‘ he thought to himself, letting out a cold, mirthless laugh.
“Mr. Flynn… Zaid tried to make one last attempt at persuasion
Josiah interrupted, raising his hand. Let’s go. The car in front las moved,”
“Oh, right.”
Meanwhile, Sienna made her way back to Silver Beach, feeling hot and sticky. The bus had been packed, squashing her like a
sardine in a can.
She was back to grab her luggage, and since the suitcase hadn’t been opened, it was easy to pack up. She could just drag it out and go.
Once she sat on the sofa in the living room, she took out the cash she had just withdrawn from the ATM-$1,700.
After that, she pulled out a blank envelope and jotted down a few lines. Finally, she stuffed the money into the envelope and placed it on the coffee table.
